diff --git a/.npmignore b/.npmignore
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..dfe983f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.npmignore
@@ -0,0 +1,39 @@
+# MGW npm package exclusions
+# Defense-in-depth: package.json "files" field is the primary allowlist.
+# This file provides an additional safety net to prevent accidental inclusion
+# of development, CI, and internal files.
+
+# Internal project management
+.mgw/
+.planning/
+.worktrees/
+.test/
+
+# CI/CD and GitHub
+.github/
+
+# Claude Code
+.claude/
+
+# Git
+.git
+.gitignore
+
+# Node
+node_modules/
+
+# Source (distributed as built dist/)
+lib/
+bin/
+
+# Markdown docs (README.md is always included by npm)
+CONTRIBUTING.md
+CODEOWNERS
+
+# Editor artifacts
+*.swp
+*.swo
+.DS_Store
+
+# Build tooling config
+package-lock.json
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index b26c58e..a501d3f 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -155,6 +155,26 @@ The `/mgw:sync` command reconciles local state with GitHub reality — archiving
 - [GitHub CLI](https://cli.github.com/) (`gh`) authenticated
 - A GitHub repository with issues enabled
 
+## Quick Start
+
+Try MGW without installing anything:
+
+```bash
+# See available commands
+npx mgw --help
+
+# List your open issues
+npx mgw issues
+
+# Sync local state with GitHub
+npx mgw sync
+
+# Cross-reference two issues
+npx mgw link 42 43
+```
+
+`npx mgw` gives you the full CLI subset that works without Claude Code. For the AI-powered pipeline commands (`run`, `issue`, `project`, `milestone`, etc.), do a full install below.
+
 ## Installation
 
 ### Full install (CLI + slash commands)
@@ -198,6 +218,17 @@ Then in Claude Code:
 /mgw:help
 ```
 
+### npx vs full install
+
+Not all commands work via `npx`. The CLI has two tiers:
+
+| Tier | Commands | Requirements |
+|------|----------|--------------|
+| **CLI-only** (works with npx) | `issues`, `sync`, `link`, `help`, `--help`, `--version` | Node.js >= 18, `gh` CLI |
+| **AI-powered** (requires full install) | `run`, `init`, `project`, `milestone`, `next`, `issue`, `update`, `pr` | Node.js >= 18, `gh` CLI, Claude Code CLI, GSD |
+
+AI-powered commands call `claude -p` under the hood and require the [Claude Code CLI](https://docs.anthropic.com/en/docs/claude-code/overview) to be installed and authenticated. The slash command `.md` files must also be deployed to `~/.claude/commands/mgw/` for the full pipeline to work. Use `npx mgw` to explore the CLI and verify your GitHub setup before committing to a full install.
+
 ## Typical Workflow
 
 ### New project (from scratch)
diff --git a/package.json b/package.json
index 501bbe2..322fa7b 100644
--- a/package.json
+++ b/package.json
@@ -29,7 +29,20 @@
     "type": "git",
     "url": "git+https://github.com/snipcodeit/mgw.git"
   },
-  "keywords": ["github", "cli", "automation", "pipeline", "gsd"],
+  "keywords": [
+    "claude-code",
+    "github",
+    "automation",
+    "project-management",
+    "gsd",
+    "cli",
+    "developer-tools",
+    "ai"
+  ],
   "author": "snipcodeit",
-  "license": "MIT"
+  "license": "MIT",
+  "homepage": "https://github.com/snipcodeit/mgw",
+  "bugs": {
+    "url": "https://github.com/snipcodeit/mgw/issues"
+  }
 }